SLS: Core Volunteer / Community Outreach & Engagement with Pacific Refugee Support Group(2025-26 school year)

Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) is a community-based organization dedicated to re-empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals in the Pacific Northwest through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and human-centered support.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2025-26 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/590919

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Portland Refugee Support Group provides supportive, wraparound services to newly arriving community members, including case management, community resource navigation, and culturally specific wellness programming. By pairing volunteers directly with refugee and asylum-seeking households, PRSG ensures that families have an extended support network, allowing them to navigate their new environment with confidence and dignity.

Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) is eager to partner with a PSU Student Leader for Service to engage young leaders passionate about fostering a welcoming community for refugees and asylum seekers. This partnership provides a hands-on, real-world experience in mission-driven work while strengthening sustainable support systems for new Oregonians.

As a core volunteer, the SLS student will be matched with a refugee or asylum-seeking household, serving as an extended support system within their neighborhood. They will assist with everyday challenges, answer questions, and connect families with PRSG’s Community Response Team, helping new community members navigate life in the Pacific Northwest. 

• Provide personalized support to community members
• Assist with practical tasks & cultural orientation
• Foster a trusting friendship to facilitate open communication Participate in trainings and team meetings

In addition to service as a core volunteer, the SLS student will provide Community Outreach & Event Support by accompanying the PRSG staff to community resource events to gain insight into the broader needs of refugee and immigrant communities. They will help identify service gaps, contribute to problem-solving efforts, and support the planning of responsive programming to better serve new community members.

We look forward to having the SLS member contribute ideas to improve programming and help build a welcoming community for displaced individuals.

Modality: This position is hybrid, with the majority of duties being performed remotely. The initial meeting with the matched family will be in person and led by the Volunteer Coordinator. Check-ins with the family can be done remotely, with occasional and regular in-person opportunities. Staff meetings will take place in the office for team building. Events are in person and location will vary around town but SLS member's involvement will be based on their availability and capacity.

Skills and Knowledge Required: 

• Ability to dedicate 4–6 hours per week on a flexible schedule
• Openness to learning, patience, and recognizing there may not be quick solutions
• Cultural competence and trauma-informed awareness
• Completion of a background check

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bilingual skills (highly beneficial though not required)

• Comfort working with diverse communities

• Strong communication and empathy

Application, Onboarding, and Training process:  

• Required Volunteer Orientation covering trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness

• Optional EMPath training

• Ongoing mentorship and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator and PRSG staff

Benefits of this Position: 

• Gain hands-on case management experience with refugee and asylum-seeking individuals

• Deepen cultural exchange and understanding of refugee issues

• Opportunity to practice or improve second-language skills in real-world contexts

• Develop collaboration and leadership skills, with room to propose ideas and lead initiatives

Supervision: Reports directly to the Volunteer Coordinator (primary) and receives additional support from the Marketing & Communications Coordinator and the Deputy Director.

Location & Transportation: The location of our office is 10725 SW Barbur Blvd, Suite 350, Portland, OR 97219, a 30 commute from the PSU campus by bus/max on line #12. We will do our best to match with a family with easy access to the student. 

Schedule Available: 

• 4–6 hours per week, highly flexible
  

• Staff updates/meetings on Friday mornings (often remote)
  

• PRSG intake/resource events: typically Monday afternoons
  

• Family check-ins: arranged between student and the matched household
  

• Option to participate in special events like Welcoming Week or World Refugee Day - can often coordinate carpooling with staff.